USS Tom Green County (LST-1159)

• Commissioned in 1953: USS Tom Green County (LST-1159) was commissioned on 15 December 1953, joining the post-World War II fleet as part of the United States Navy’s LST-1156 class. • Named after Texas County: The ship was named after Tom Green County in Texas, honoring Brigadier General Thomas Green, a notable Confederate officer during the American Civil War. • Vietnam War Service: USS Tom Green County played an active role in the Vietnam War, participating in numerous amphibious operations, troop landings, and supply missions. • Operation Market Time: The vessel contributed to Operation Market Time, the US Navy’s effort to stop the flow of supplies to North Vietnamese forces by patrolling the South Vietnamese coast. • Rescue Mission in 1966: In June 1966, the ship rescued the crew of a burning South Vietnamese Navy LSSL ship, saving many lives under hazardous conditions. • Transporting Armor: The Tom Green County often transported tanks, artillery, and other heavy equipment directly onto beaches, demonstrating the vital role of LSTs in amphibious warfare. • Humanitarian Assistance: In addition to combat missions, the ship provided humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to Vietnamese civilians during the war. • Battle Stars: USS Tom Green County received six battle stars for her service during the Vietnam War, a testament to her frequent involvement in combat and support operations. • Decommissioned and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned on 4 August 1971 and transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Velasco (L-11). • Unique Nickname: Crew members affectionately referred to their ship as “The Tom Green,” and the vessel became known for her resilience and the camaraderie of her crew throughout many challenging deployments.